8 Ways to Help Someone You Love Drink Less

8 Ways to Help Someone You Love Drink Less

When alcohol causes problems with a person’s health, relationships, and daily life, it becomes serious. But if someone you love is having a hard time managing their drinking, you might want them to reduce the number of drinks they have. But it does take patience, understanding, and the right way.
In this article, we’ll outline eight actionable tips to help a friend or family member cut back on their drinking without damaging your own relationship with them. We will also address seven commonly asked questions (FAQs) and provide additional clarity on this sensitive topic.
Know Why They Drink

Before making any recommendations, listen to your loved one about why he or she drinks. Is it a stressor, peer pressure, boredom, or a hidden emotion? Knowing what drives their behavior can guide how you frame the conversation with care and sensitivity.
What You Can Do:

Talk to them honestly and without judgment about their drinking habits.
Hear them out without interjecting or jumping to solutions.

Before you make any recommendations, validate their feelings and experiences.
Choose the Right Time to Talk

Talk to your loved one about reducing alcohol — when she is calm, sober, and open. Do not talk to them about it, when they are high, drunk, angry, low, or stressed.
Best Practices:

Choose a place where your future co-parent feels safe and comfortable, one away from outside distractions.
Ditch accusatory phrases like “You have a problem” and use “I” statements instead, like “I care about your health.”
Be calm and gentle so they are inclined to talk about it.


Support And Not Criticism

Reducing alcohol consumption is highly personal, and your job is to support, not dictate their decisions. The stick is less effective than the carrot.
“How to Care Without Criticizing:

Listen intently to how they are really doing.

Over-focus on setbacks instead of celebrating small victories.

Remind them that you’re there for them, at any stage of their journey.
You are not allowed to have fun.

A lot of us drink out of habit or boredom. Finding healthy and enjoyable substitutes for your loved one can help them cut down on alcohol more easily.
Fun Alternatives to Drinking:

Do exercise together (walking, jogging, yoga).
Take a hobby class and its group (painting, cooking, or photography).

Participate in alcohol-free social activities (board games, movie nights, or outdoor adventures).
By promoting sober activities, they can find new joy in life with those around them.

Limit Alcohol Surrounding Them

If you have access to it constantly, it is more difficult to resist. Building an environment of support can be one of the most powerful ways to aid them in moderation.
Practical Steps:

Restrict alcohol purchases or make it out of view.
Have healthy drinks on hand (think herbal teas, flavored water, mocktails).

When you go out, pick activities that don’t focus on drinking.
If someone opens up to you and needs more than you can provide, you might encourage them to seek professional help.

If your loved one is unable to cut back no matter how hard they try, it may be time for professional help. First off, you don’t have to go through any of this alone.
When to Recommend Seeking Help:

If they complain about their struggles to cut back.
When their use of alcohol begins to harm their work, relationships , or health.

If they are experiencing withdrawal or addiction symptoms.
Encourage them to seek out such things as counseling, rehab programs, or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, but don’t shame them into it.


Set a Positive Example

Your own drinking patterns may affect your loved ones. If you drink regularly, try reducing yourself to be supportive.
Lead by Example:

Restrict alcohol when you’re together.

Opt for non-alcoholic drinks during social events.

Demonstrate that you can have a good time without drinking.
Making healthy choices yourself can motivate your loved one to make those same healthy choices.

Give Yourself Enough Time and Be Consistent
Exciting change takes time, and regression is part of it. The important part is to be patient, encouraging, and consistent in your method.

How to Handle Setbacks:
Don’t lose hope if they backslide or struggle.

Continue to be supportive, but don’t push them.
Remind them that progress beats perfection.

One word of encouragement from you may be the difference between success and giving up.
Q. How long have you been trained September 23, Octuber 2023

How can I tell if my loved one needs to cut back on alcohol?
Signs can be frequent drinking, mood swings, issues with memory, health concerns, or neglecting responsibilities due to alcohol.

What do you do if they refuse to admit they have a problem?
Denial is common. Don’t push the issue— rather explain your concerns in a calm and rational manner, giving examples of how alcohol is impacting their life.
Perhaps I should stop drinking around them?

You don’t have to eliminate it entirely, but less drinking in their presence can be a show of solidarity and support.
How do I make them stop drinking?

They have to bring about the change, no. All you can do is provide guidance, support, and resources.
How long does it take to reduce alcohol consumption?

It varies for everyone. Some make progress in weeks; others in months. It takes patience and consistency.
What if they don’t want to get professional help?

Gently encourage them, and share useful, non-judgmental resources like online support groups or books on cutting back on alcohol.
Are there apps that can help me drink less?

Yes! Apps such as Reframe, Sober Grid, and DrinkControl assist in tracking drinking habits and offer motivation.

Final Thoughts

Encouraging a family member or friend to drink less is a long process, so be prepared to practice patience and empathy. You can make their journey truly different by being there for them without any judgments, helping them with healthy habits, and being present when they fall.
If where your loved one is very far away, then you might have to get them the help that they need. Your persistence and concern can also motivate them on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Have you tried to get a loved one to drink less? What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below!